‘Ingrained into our Y2K minds’ woman raves over £10 M&S candle that smells exactly like axed 90s shop’s scented beads

A WOMAN has revealed how she was left with “instant nostalgia” after stumbling across a £10 M&S candle with a very specific scent.

She explained that she had picked up the candle in her local Marks & Spencer after smelling it and realising she recognised the fragrance from an axed underwear store.

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Tiktok/rackinguprecords

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“OK does anyone remember shopping in La Senza in the 2000s and buying the 3 pants for £10 just so you could get one of the bags with the little scent beads in?” she wrote over the top of the video.

“When I tell you this M&S candle smells EXACTLY like those little beads!”

The light up candle is “scented with the fragrance of fresh spring blooms for a dreamy aroma”, and has the words “Blooming Lovely” written on the front.

And people in the comments section were quick to weigh in on her epic find, with one writing: “Ok its also super pretty but the smell takes me BACK!”

“I worked in La Senza as my first job – I can still smell those beads now,” another added.

“I bet that smell is etched into your memory,” the woman replied.

“OMG the memory you just unlocked!!! I can smell them now,” a third commented.

“It’s ingrained into our little Y2K memories!” she responded.

“I worked there in 2007,” someone else added.

“I think they sell the little scented bead bags in Boux Avenue now.”

“I loved the smell of those beads! Was such a good shop!” another commented.

” I know right! Bring back La Senza!!” the poster replied.

“The shop I miss the most!” someone else wrote.

“It’s random but I still have a La Senza bag!” another admitted.

To which the woman replied: “WHAT?! You have a truly rare artefact in your possession!!”

Retailers closing stores in 2024

RETAILERS have been hit by soaring inflation and a downturn in spending due to the cost of living crisis.

High energy costs and a move to shopping online are also taking their toll.

Some high street shops have closed due to businesses opening up in different locations such as larger retail parks.

Shops may also close due to a number of other reasons, such as rising rents.

We explain which retailers are closing in 2024:

• Argos – The brand announced plans to close 100 standalone UK branches last year as it looks to move away from the high street and focus on expanding its presence in supermarkets.
• B&Q – The chain has over 300 shops across the UK, with two stores closing this year due to leases not being renewed. It has plans to open more in 2024 too.
• Boots – The health and beauty chain announced that it would be closing 300 stores last July. Closures are ongoing and this will see the retailer’s estate reduced from 2,200 to 1,900 shops.
• Clintons – Clintons mulled plans to close 38 shops in a bid to avoid insolvency late last year. We’ve listed the stores affected.
• Costa Coffee – The caffeine giant has around 2,000 sites nationwide, so chances are you’ll have one near you. The chain has shut the doors to dozens of its sites recently. We’ve revealed which stores are due to close this year.
• Iceland – The supermarket has more than 900 stores but closed nearly two dozen sites in 2023, and more selected shops are due to shut.
• Lidl – The supermarket, which has 950 stores, is changing up shop locations, which has meant that some stores have to close. But the retailer is also looking to open 12 new supermarkets.
• M&S – M&S, which runs 405 stores across the country, has been closing a string of branches across the country in a blow for shoppers. It’s not all bad news, though, because the chain also has big plans to open dozens of new shops.
• Trespass – The firm announced in July last year that it was closing six branches, but more are on the way.
• WHSmith – The retail giant, which runs over 1,100 stores, has shut eight stores since March 2023, but more are coming.

“Omg core memory unlocked,” someone else said.

“I loved La Senza,” another sighed.

“I worked in La Senza stock room steaming the clothes! Loved that shop,” someone else gushed.

“Me too! The scent gave instant nostalgia!” the woman responded.

“Bloody hell I loved that shop lol!” another grinned.

La Senza initially fell into administration back in 2012, when more than 80 outlets were closed.

In 2014 they went into administration again, and ceased trading – losing £63.4 million after administrators failed to find a buyer for the business.

Ray Tang